Villarreal ended a three month spell without an away win in all competitions by coasting to a 3-1 victory at Sporting Gijon on Saturday to tighten their grip on fourth spot in La Liga.
The visiting side went ahead in the 11th minute through Jonathan Dos Santos's thumping drive and Nicola Sansone doubled the advantage in the 19th by stabbing in Alexandre Pato's goalbound shot from close range.
Sansone returned the favour for Pato in the second half by laying on the pass for the Brazilian to round off Villarreal's first win on the road since beating Malaga on Sept. 10.
Sporting got a late consolation goal through Carlos Carmona.
Villarreal are fourth on 29 points and are guaranteed to finish the year in the Champions League places. Real Sociedad can join them on 29 points when they visit struggling Granada later on Saturday but will remain fifth on goal difference.